There are lots of emotions surrounding the Winter Olympics this year, and not all of them are tied to the actual competition. Several American Olympians have voiced their “mixed emotions” about representing their country, with one choosing to compete for an entirely different nation.
Freestyle skier Hunter Hess, for example, is one competitor who has gained significant attention, even from President Donald Trump. The president called the athlete a “real loser” over comments Hess made in a pre-Olympics press conference last week.
When asked what it means to represent America, Hess said it “brings up mixed emotions” and that it’s “a little hard.”
“There’s obviously a lot going on that I’m not the biggest fan of, and I think a lot of people aren’t. … If it aligns with my moral values, I feel like I’m representing it. Just because I’m wearing the flag doesn’t mean I represent everything that’s going on in the U.S. I just kind of want to do it for my friends and my family and the people that support me getting here.”
A few days after the internet backlash, Hess took to social media to expand: “I love my country,” he wrote.
“There is so much that is great about America, but there are always things that could be better. One of the many things that makes this country so amazing is that we have the right and the freedom to point that out. The best part of the Olympics is that it brings people together, and when so many of us are divided, we need that more than ever. I cannot wait to represent Team USA next week when I compete.”
Another freestyle skier, Chris Lillis, feels similarly. In the same press conference, Lillis said he is “heartbroken” over the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids in Minnesota. “As a country, we need to focus on respecting everybody’s rights and making sure that we’re treating our citizens as well as anybody, with love and respect. I hope that when people look at athletes competing in the Olympics, they realize that that’s the America that we’re trying to represent.”
Lillis did, however, post this on social media: “Love, dignity and respect to everyone even those who disagree with us. I love my country and am proud to represent the USA.”
Figure skater Amber Glenn is another Olympian who hit the headlines of many prominent outlets for her controversial comments. Last week, she said the queer community is having a “hard time” under the Trump administration, leaving them to “fight for [their] human rights.” Glenn said a “scary amount of hate” trailed her in a now-expired Instagram story: “When I chose to utilize one of the amazing things about the United States of America (Freedom of speech) to convey how I feel as an athlete competing for Team USA in a troubling time for many Americans, I am now receiving a scary amount of hate/threats for simply using my voice WHEN ASKED about how I feel.”
After the internet backlash, she announced a break from social media before firing back at her haters, “They hate to see two woke b*tches winning.”
Conversely, before the games began, snowboarder Chloe Kim delivered a heartfelt tribute to America in a social media post: “I can’t believe I’ve arrived in Milan to represent my country at the Olympic Games for the third time.”
“My parents left South Korea in search of a better future for their family. They left behind everything they knew so that my sisters and I could have the chance to one day live the American dream. Their sacrifice is one I will never take for granted. So when I stand at the top of the halfpipe, competing on the biggest stage in sport, I do so with immense pride. I am representing my country but I am also representing those who took a leap of faith, who came to this beautiful nation carrying hopes, dreams, and courage.”
“I am proud of my heritage. I am proud of my journey. And I am proud to represent a country that is strongest when it embraces diversity, dignity, and hope. GO TEAM USA!!” she added.
When asked by a reporter for a response to Trump calling Hess a “real loser,” Kim said she hopes to lead with love and compassion. “Obviously, my parents being immigrants, this one definitely hits pretty close to home. I think in moments like these, it is important to unite and stand up for one another, for all that’s going on.”
“I’m really proud to represent the United States,” she said. “The U.S. has given my family and I so much opportunity, but I also think we are allowed to voice our opinions on what is going on, and I think we need to lead with love and compassion. I would love to see some more of that.”
Along the same lines, Kim’s teammate Maddie Mastro posted something similar, “I am truly honored and proud to wear Team USA on my back. Being an American athlete means representing a country built on diversity, strength, and resilience … When I drop in, I’m riding for an America that leads with kindness, love, and compassion; one that supports one another and rises together.”
One of the most controversial Olympians is American Eileen Gu, who has chosen to compete for China, where her mother is from, since 2019. She recently said in an interview with TIME, “The U.S. already has the representation. I like building my own pond.”
Critics have pointed out that Gu makes millions a year from Chinese brands, but she has denied that it was a factor: “I’m glad that there’s enough money in the sport now for people to think that’s a consideration.”
On the other hand, Jasmine Jones is a first-time Olympian competing in bobsled who also served in the Air Force. In an interview with Fox, she said, “Being able to represent my country, as well as being an athlete for my country, it definitely brings a different meaning.”
“I’m honored to have this opportunity to do both.”
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